Written by Enas Al-Banna Tuesday, October 24, 2023 07:00 PM As temperatures continue to drop and the countdown to winter begins, the roles of colds, flu, and allergies are increasing, which cause the body to produce excess mucus that may get stuck in the back of your throat and trigger your cough. Coughing at night can It makes sleeping more difficult and affects your quality of life. There are several causes of dry cough at night, according to the “healthline” website.
Causes of dry cough at night
Viral infections
Most dry coughs are the result of an infection, such as the common cold and flu. Symptoms usually last for about a week, but some people experience long-term effects. When cold and flu symptoms irritate the upper airway, it may take some time for this damage to heal. A dry cough can last for weeks after acute symptoms of a cold or flu disappear.
asthma
Asthma is a condition that causes the airways to swell and narrow, making breathing difficult. A chronic cough is a common symptom.
Esophageal reflux
It is a type of chronic acid reflux. When your stomach contents rise through your esophagus and into your larynx or bronchial tubes, this can trigger your cough reflex.
Home remedies for dry cough at night
Most cases of dry cough can be treated at home with home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Menthol drops
Menthol cough drops are medicated throat lozenges that have a soothing effect. Sucking on one before going to bed may help soften the throat and prevent irritation during the night.
Menthol vapors cause the mucous lining in the sinuses to contract, temporarily stopping or reducing mucus production. Menthol also has anesthetic properties that help numb the throat.
Change your sleeping position
If your cough is keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep, you may want to consider repositioning yourself. When you lie down, gravity pulls the mucus in your nasal passages back up your throat.
To avoid this problem, prop yourself up on several pillows so that your body is at a 45-degree angle (between sitting and lying down). Try this for a few nights to give your throat a chance to heal.
Avoid irritants
Irritants such as dust, pet hair, and pollen can spread throughout the house throughout the day and night. If a loved one smokes or you use a wood fire for warmth, be sure to keep your bedroom door closed at all times.
Take other precautions, such as keeping pets out of the bedroom and home Closing windows during allergy season A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier in the bedroom can help reduce cough-causing irritants. Also look for allergy-resistant bedding and bedding.
Eat honey
Honey is a natural cough suppressant and anti-inflammatory agent. Research suggests that honey is more effective in reducing nighttime coughs in children than over-the-counter cough medicines. Add a teaspoon of raw honey to tea or warm water to soothe a sore throat, or eat it directly.
Gargle with warm salt water
Gargling with warm salt water is a tried-and-true way to relieve a sore throat. Salt may also kill some throat bacteria. This home remedy works because the salt removes water from your mouth tissue and creates a barrier that prevents water and bacteria from returning to your throat.
Simply mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. You can add honey, gargle for about 30 seconds or as long as you can, then swish it around your mouth.
Drink plenty of fluids
Hydration is more important to the healing process than most people know. Keeping your throat moist helps. When you’re sick, it’s helpful to drink more. Consider drinking herbal tea or warm lemon water, too.
Pharmacological treatments for dry cough in night treatment
Sometimes, home remedies aren’t enough. If you want to be a little more aggressive, take a look at the following medical options.
Decongestants
Decongestants are over-the-counter medications that treat congestion. Viruses such as the common cold and flu cause swelling of the lining of the nose, making breathing difficult.
Decongestants work by narrowing blood vessels so that less blood flows to the swollen tissue. Without this blood, the swollen tissue shrinks, and breathing becomes easier.
Cough and phlegm suppressants
There are two types of cough medicines available without a prescription: cough suppressants and expectorants.
Cough suppressants (antitussives) prevent you from coughing by blocking your cough reflex. Expectorants work by thinning the mucus in the airway, making it easier to cough up.
Cough suppressants are more suitable for dry cough at night because they prevent the cough reflex from being stimulated during sleep.
When to contact the doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if your cough lasts longer than 2 months or if it becomes worse over time. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
Shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss
2023-10-24 16:00:00
#Home #remedies #dry #cough. #Honey #gargling #cough #soothing #agents
